Catalyst-free and redox-neutral innate trifluoromethylation and alkylation of (hetero)aromatics enabled by light

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to reagents and method for performing trifluoromethylation, difluoromethylation or alkylation of aromatic or heteroaromatic rings in a redox-neutral manner without any catalyst which are enabled by light. In addition, there are methods for synthesizing the starting reagents used in the trifluoromethylation, difluoromethylation or alkylation reactions.

The present application is the 371 national phase entry of PCT/CA2018/051223 filed Sep. 28, 2018, the content of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. The present application also claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/565,365, filed Sep. 29, 2017 and entitled “CATALYST-FREE AND REDOX-NEUTRAL INNATE TRIFLUOROMETHYLATION AND ALKYLATION OF (HETERO)AROMATICS ENABLED BY LIGHT”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to reagents and method for performing trifluoromethylation, difluoromethylation, or alkylation of aromatic or heteroaromatic rings.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The Minisci alkylation is a powerful tool to functionalize aromatics via alkyl radical addition. Complementary to the Friedel-Crafts alkylation, it is particularly effective to functionalize electron-deficient aromatics. The original Minisci protocol employs aliphatic carboxylic acids to generate alkyl radicals through the oxidative decarboxylation. Current approaches to access alkyl radicals consist of two general strategies: (a) the oxidative and (b) the reductive approaches.

In terms of the redox-economy towards more sustainable synthesis, the above-mentioned methods to access alkyl radicals are not satisfying because of the involvement of harsh oxidants and reductants. These redox reagents, often used in superstoichiometric amount, not only impair the substrate scope and evoke the chemo-selectivity issues, but also generate obnoxious by-products especially for large scale synthesis. Therefore, redox-neutral protocols obviating these external oxidizing and reducing reagents are desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An aspect relates to a compound of formula:

wherein R1; R2; R3; R and n are as defined herein.

A further aspect relates to the method for forming a compound of formula:

comprising: i) mixing together a compound of formula:

with compound of formula:

and ii) photo irradiating the mixture of step i) to provide said compound of formula (II); wherein

R1; R2; R3; R, Ra, m and n are as defined herein.

A further aspect relates to a method for forming a compound of formula:

comprising: 1) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula R₂—S⁻X⁺  (Va) wherein R1; R2; R3; R, and n are as defined herein; L is a leaving group X is a counterion; to provide a compound of formula

wherein R1; R2; R3; R, and n are as defined herein; and 2) reacting said compound of formula (VI) with an oxidant to provide said compound of formula (I); or 3) reacting said compound of formula (IV) with a compound of formula R2-SO₂ ⁻X⁺  (Vb); wherein R2 and X⁺ are as defined above, to provide said compound of formula (I).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment, the compound herein is represented by the formula:

wherein R1 is H, or an optional substituent; R2 is CF₃, CF₂H, a linear alkyl of 2 or more carbon atoms, a branched alkyl of 3 or more carbon atoms or a cycloalkyl of 3 or more carbon atoms; R3 is H, or a C1-C6 linear alkyl, C3-C6 branched alkyl or C3-C6 cycloalkyl; or R1 and R3, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a 5-6 membered ring; each R is an independently selected from H or an optional substituent; n is an integer of 1 to 4.

In one embodiment, there is provided the method for forming a compound of formula:

wherein

defines a mono or polycyclic aryl ring or a mono or polycyclic heteroaryl ring; each Ra is independently selected from H or an optional substituent; R2 is CF₃, CF₂H, a linear alkyl of 2 or more carbon atoms, a branched alkyl of 3 or more carbon atoms or a cycloalkyl of 3 or more carbon atoms; and m is an integer of 1 to 5; comprising: i) mixing together a compound of formula:

wherein R1 is H, or an optional substituent; R2 is as defined above; R3 is H, or a C1-C6 linear alkyl, C3-C6 branched alkyl or C3-C6 cycloalkyl; or R1 and R3, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a 5-6 membered ring; each R is independently selected from H or an optional substituent; n is an integer of 1 to 4; with compound of formula:

wherein

is as defined above, and Ra and m are as defined above; ii) photo irradiating the mixture of step i) to provide said compound of formula (II).

In one embodiment, an acid (such as TFA) is added to the reaction mixture of (I) and (III).

In one embodiment, an acid (such as TFA) is added to the reaction mixture of (I) and (III) when R2 is other CF₃,

The acid may be an organic or inorganic acid having a suitable pKa. Examples of organic acid include sulfonic acids or carboxylic acids.

In on embodiment of the method herein, in particular for providing a compound of formula II, the photo irradiation is performed at a wavelength of about 200 nm to about 800 nm, alternatively from about 250 nm to about 600 nm and more preferably about 250 to about 400 nm. Typical examples include the use of a 300 W mercury lamp or standard household lamp.

In on embodiment of the method herein, in particular for providing a compound of formula II, the molar ratio of (beta-keto sulfone) compound I to (aryl/heteroaryl) compound (III) can be from about 1 to about 10 equivalents, or preferably about 1 to about 3 equivalents.

In on embodiment of the method herein, in particular for providing a compound of formula II, the reaction can be conducted in most common organic solvent without a detrimental effect on the reaction. A non-limiting list preferably includes acetone, acetonitrile, methanol, and DMSO.

The invention herein allows to perform the introduction of trifluoromethyl, difluoromethylation or alkyl on (hetero)aromatic rings in a redox-neutral manner without any catalyst.

In one embodiment, there is provided the method for forming a compound of formula:

comprising: 1) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula R₂—S⁻X⁺  (V) wherein R1; R2; R3; R, and n are as defined herein; L is a leaving group X is a counterion; to provide a compound of formula

wherein R1; R2; R3; R, and n are as defined herein; and reacting said compound of formula (VI) with an oxydant to provide said compound of formula (I).

In one embodiment, there is provided the method for forming a compound of formula (I) as defined above comprising:

1) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula reacting with R2-SO₂ ⁻X⁺  (Vb) wherein R1; R2; R3; R, X⁺, L and n are as defined above; to provide said compound of formula (I).

In one embodiment, R1 and R3, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a 5 membered ring.

In one embodiment, R1 is H

In one embodiment, the linear alkyl of group R2 is preferably comprising 2 to 10, alternatively 2 to 7 carbon atoms.

Examples of linear alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl or hexyl.

In one embodiment, the branched alkyl of group R2 is preferably comprising 3 to 8, alternatively 3 to 7 carbon atoms.

Examples of branched alkyl groups include, isopropyl, 2-methyl-1-butyl, 3-methyl-1-butyl, 2-methyl-3-butyl, 2,2-dimethyl-1-propyl, 2-methyl-1-pentyl, 3-methyl-1-pentyl, 4-methyl-1-pentyl, 2-methyl-2-pentyl, 3-methyl-2-pentyl, 4-methyl-2-pentyl, 2,2-dimethyl-1-butyl, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butyl, 2-ethyl-1-butyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, 2-ethyl-1-hexyl.

In one embodiment, the cycloalkyl of group R2 is preferably comprising 3 to 8, alternatively 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

Examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.

In one embodiment, R2 is CF₃.

In one embodiment, R2 is CF₂H.

In one embodiment, R3 is H, or a C1-C6 linear and branched alkyl.

In one embodiment, R3 is H, or a methyl.

In one embodiment, the optional substituent (R or Ra): is halogen, C1-6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C1-6 alkoxy, substituted C1-6 alkoxy, substituted C1-6 alkoxy aryl, oxo (C═O), cyano (CN), —NR40R41, —C(O)NR40R41, —NR40COR41, carboxy, hydroxyl, nitro, —SR40, —S(O)₀₋₂R40, —C(O)R40, —C(O)OR40 or —SO₂NR40R41; wherein R40 and R41 are each independently H, or C1-6alkyl; Examples of cycloalkyls include C3 to C6 alkyl, such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.

In one embodiment, the optional substituent R is H or C1-6alkyl.

In one embodiment, the optional substituent R is H.

In one embodiment, the optional substituent Ra is H, C1-6alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, aryl, hydroxyl, or —C(O)OR40 wherein R40 and R41 are each independently H, or C1-6alkyl;

In one embodiment, the compound herein is represented by the formula:

wherein R1 is H; R2 is CF₃, CF₂H, a linear alkyl of 2 or more carbon atoms (in particular 2 to 7 carbon atoms), a branched alkyl of 3 or more carbon atoms (in particular 3 to 7 carbon atoms) or a cycloalkyl of 3 or more carbon atoms (in particular 3 to 6 carbon atoms); R3 is C1-C6 linear alkyl; or R1 and R3, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a 5-6 membered ring; each R is H.

The term “aryl” represents a carbocyclic moiety containing at least one monocyclic (preferably a 6 membered monocyclic) or polycyclic (preferably 9-10 membered bicyclic) benzenoid-type ring, which may be optionally substituted with one or more substituents. An example of aryl is a phenyl ring.

The term “heteroaryl” is meant to include monocyclic (preferably 5-6 membered) or a polycyclic (preferably 9-10 membered fused-bicyclic or 12-14 membered fused tricyclic) rings, wherein said ring(s) is(are) interrupted by at least one heteroatom selected from oxygen (O), sulfur (S) or nitrogen (N). The “heteroaryl” is also optionally substituted by one or more substituents.

Examples of heteroaryl groups include

In one embodiment, the optional substituent (R or Ra): is halogen, C1-6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C1-6 alkoxy, aryl, oxo (C═O), cyano (CN), —NR40R41, —C(O)NR40R41, —NR40COR41, carboxy, hydroxyl, nitro, —SR40, —S(O)₀₋₂R40, —C(O)R40, —C(O)OR40 or —SO₂NR40R41; wherein R40 and R41 are each independently H, or C1-6alkyl;

Examples of cycloalkyls include C3 to C6 alkyl, such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.

In one embodiment, the optional substituent R is H or C1-6alkyl.

In one embodiment, the optional substituent R is H.

In one embodiment, the optional substituent Ra is H, C1-6alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, aryl, hydroxyl, or —C(O)OR40 wherein R40 and R41 are each independently H, or C1-6alkyl; The term “counterion” is meant to include an ion that accompanies an ionic species (e.g. in this present invention the species R2-S⁻) in order to maintain electric neutrality. The skilled person in the art can select the appropriate counterion so that it is not causing a detrimental effect to the reaction with compound of formula (IV). Examples of counterion includes: Na⁺, Li⁺, K⁺, and NH₄ ⁺.

The term “leaving group” is not particularly limited and include any leaving group known to those of ordinary skills in to art and can be displaced by the species R2-S⁻. The leaving group can be a halide such as Cl—, Br—, and I—, and sulfonate esters such as tosylate (TsO⁻), and triflate (TfO⁻).

Examples General Experimental Procedures

All the reactions were carried out under argon atmosphere using standard Schlenk technique. ¹H NMR (500 MHz), ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz) and ¹³C NMR (126 MHz) were recorded on a NMR spectrometer with CDCl₃ as the solvent. Chemical shifts of ¹H, ¹⁹F and ¹³C NMR spectra are reported in parts per million (ppm). The residual solvent signals were used as references and the chemical shifts were converted to the TMS scale (CDCl₃: δ H=7.26 ppm, δ C=77.16 ppm). All coupling constants (J values) were reported in Hertz (Hz). High-resolution mass spectrometry was conducted through using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) or electro-spraying ionization (ESI), and was performed at McGill University on a Thermo-Scientific Exactive Orbitrap. Protonated molecular ions [M+H]⁺ or sodium adducts [M+Na]⁺, were used for empirical formula confirmation. Column chromatography was performed on silica gel 200-300 mesh.

General Procedures for the Synthesis of Trifluoromethylation Reagents

Under argon, sodium triflinate (2.94 g, 18.8 mmol), DMA (15 mL) and 2-bromo-1-phenylpropan-1-one (2.0 g, 9.4 mmol) were added into a 50 mL round bottom flask fitted with a reflux condenser and a magnetic stir bar. The stirred reaction mixture was then heated under argon at 70° C. for 12 h. After the reaction, 30 mL water was added. The resulting mixture was extracted with 20 mL diethyl ether for three times. The ethereal phase was then washed twice with 15 mL water and dried over magnesium sulfate. The resulting solution was concentrated via rotary evaporation, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to provide the desired product 14.

General Procedures for Trifluoromethylation of Aromatics

Arenes or heteroarenes (0.1 mmol) and 14 (0.15-0.3 mmol) were added into 0.5 mL acetonitrile. The air-tight quartz tube (10 mL) containing these reactants and solvent was evacuated by three frozen-pump-thaw cycles and back-filled with argon prior to use. The reaction was stirred at 20° C. under photo irradiation by using either a 300 W xenon lamp or two 45 W household CFLs. In the case of 300 W xenon lamp (Figure S1, left picture), the air-tight quartz flask needs to be placed into a big jacketed quartz container full of cold water, which can keep the reaction temperature around 20° C. under strong photo-irradiation. After the reaction, the resulting crude mixture was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel to provide the desired product.

General Procedures for Synthesizing Difluoromethylating Reagents

To a 25 mL Schrenk tube charged with a teflon-coated magnetic stirring bar was added sodium difluoromethanesulfinate (NaSO₂CF₂H, 2.48 g, 18.0 mmol, 1.5 equiv), tetrabutylammonium iodide (0.36 g, 2.4 mmol, 20 mol %) and 2-bromo-1,2-diphenylethan-1-one (3.30 g, 12 mmol, 1.0 equiv). After that, the reaction system was evacuated and back-filled with argon for degas purpose. This cycle was repeated for three times to ensure the inert atmosphere (reaction under ambient conditions is not tested). The stirred mixture was heated at 70° C. for 48 hours. After the reaction, the resulted mixture was poured into 30 mL water and extracted with 20 mL diethyl ether for three times. The organic phase was then washed twice with 15 mL water, dried over MgSO₄, concentrated on rotary evaporation. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to provide the desired product (3.54 g, 95%, 11.4 mmol).

General Procedures for Difluoromethylation of Aromatics

The preparation of 1b is representative and applicable to all CF₂H-containing compounds synthesis in this work unless otherwise specified. To an air-tight quartz tube (10.0 mL) equipped with a teflon-coated magnetic stirring bar was added the caffeine 1a (0.10 mmol, 1.0 equiv), 2-((difluoromethyl)sulfonyl)-1,2-diphenylethan-1-one (0.40 mmol, 4.0 equiv). Shortly after, anhydrous CH₃CN (0.50 mL, 0.20 M) pre-dried over 4 Å molecular sieves (beads, 8-12 mesh) was injected, followed by trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, 2.0 mmol, 20.0 equiv, 153 μL). The resulting mixture was evacuated by three freeze-pump-thaw cycles and back-filled with ultra-purified argon (>99.999%).

The air-tight quartz flask was placed into a jacketed quartz container cooled equipped with WK 300 LAUDA chiller (The water circulation would maintain reaction temperature around 30° C.). The reaction was stirred at room temperature under photo-irradiation by 300 W Xenon lamp for 12 hours.

The reaction was quenched by saturated NaHCO₃ solution and supplemented with H₂O to get 5.0 mL mixture. The mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (5.0 mL×3). The combined ethereal solution was washed with H₂O, and brine, then dried over Na₂SO₄, concentrated on rotary evaporation. The residue was purified by either column chromatography on silica gel or preparative thin layer chromatography to provide the desired product 1b.

General Procedures for the Synthesis of Alkylation Reagents

Sodium methoxide (1.14 mL, 4.4 M in methanol, 5 mmol) and 2-propanethiol (0.36 g, 4.7 mmol) was added slowly to 10 mL methanol under argon atmosphere at 0° C. The ice-bath was removed and it was stirred for 20 min at r.t. 2-bromo-1-phenylpropan-1-one (1.0 g, 4.7 mmol) was then added dropwise to the above mixture at r.t. and the reaction mixture was heated at 80° C. for 1 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool down to r.t., and methanol was evaporated and the crude slurry was extracted with ether (3×30 mL), washed with water, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL), and m-CPBA (77% effective ingredient, 2.1 g, 9.4 mmol) was added slowly under argon. The reaction was monitored by TLC. After approximately 90 min., the mixture was filtered and washed with CH₂Cl₂. The resulting solution was washed with H₂O, NaHCO₃ (1 M), and brine, then dried over MgSO₄. The solution was concentrated via rotary evaporation, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to provide the desired product 36.

General Procedures for Alkylation of Aromatics

Heteroarenes (0.1 mmol) and 36 (0.12 mmol) were added into a 5 mL quartz tube with a Teflon-coated stir bar. 0.5 mL acetone was added into the above quartz tube successively to produce a clear solution. Following that, TFA (2 mmol) was added into the above clear solution. After capped, the air-tight quartz tube containing these reactants and solvent was evacuated by three frozen-pump-thaw cycles and back-filled with argon prior to use. The reaction was stirred at 80° C. under photo irradiation by using a 300 W mercury lamp (Figure S1, right picture). After 12 h, saturated NaHCO₃ solution was added. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The resulting solution was washed with H₂O, and brine, then dried over MgSO₄. The solution concentrated via rotary evaporation, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to provide the desired product.

To utilize light to homolytically generate alkyl radical in a synthetically useful way the following criteria are desirable: 1) the undesired twin radical is less reactive than the target alkyl radical; 2) the reversible reaction of homolytic cleavage should be inferior to the desired Minisci alkylation.

Applicant has surprisingly found that these requirements can be met when the undesired radical is also a carbon radical because: 1) since they are both carbon radicals, the target alkyl radical would at least bear a comparable reactivity with the undesired carbon radical; 2) the reactivity of the undesired carbon radical could be further diminished through modulating its electronics and sterics.

Applicant has found that by using a stabilized substituent the regioselectivity issue can be solved: 1) the α-cleavage would prefer the pathway to produce the more stable dummy radical R¹, which generates the desired radical in a more selective way; 2) the more stable dummy radical R¹ is less reactive, which could not compete with the target radical to react with the aromatics and the desired Minisci product would prevail.

Trifluoromethylation.

Applicant has found that trifluoromethylation of aromatics and heteroaromatic rings is possible when using the invention disclosed herein. Such compounds are important in pharmaceutical industry and material chemistry.

Applicant has used in Table 1, a representative number trifluoromethyl compounds, both as comparative compounds and compounds disclosed in accordance with the present disclosure. 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene was selected as the substrate to perform trifluoromethylation. Under light irradiation, comparative compounds 1-6 did not produce any product and comparative compound 7 only delivered the product in 9% yield. Similarly, comparative compounds 8, 9 and 10 having a trifluoromethyl sulfone group failed to provide satisfactory results. Aryl methyl ketones (11-14) in accordance with the invention, provided a surprisingly satisfactory of the desired trifluoromethyl product.

Without being bound to theory, the inventors believe that the reactivity of the compounds in accordance with the invention is attributed to the stabilizing effect of both carbonyl (and methyl groups—R3 when present) as well as the steric bulkiness. The stabilizing effect implies the ease to undergo the homolytic cleavage and the bulky environment implies its lower capacity to react with the aromatic than with trifluoromethyl radical.

TABLE 1 Evaluations of trifluoromethyl compounds (a)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14 ^(a)All the reactions were conducted with 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene (0.05 mmol), CF₃ source (0.075 mmol) in 0.25 mL CH₃CN under argon for 12 h at rt (ca. 25° C.) and the reaction yields were quantified by ¹H-NMR via mesitylene as the internal standard except 14.

Applicant is also providing a representative number of reaction with one of the trifluoromethylation reagent in accordance with the invention towards both aromatic and heteroaromatic rings (Table 2). It was observed that both aromatic and heteroaromatic rings provide the desired reaction product. The broad functional group compatibility also illustrates the usefulness of this reagent in the context of trifluoromethylation. Table 2. Arenes for the

TABLE 2 Arenes for the trifluoromethylation

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34 ^(a)All the reactions were conducted with arene (0.1 mmol), CH₃CN (0.5 mL), 300 watts Xenon lamp under argon with specified amount of CF₃ source 14 at rt (ca. 25° C.) and the yields are isolated ones. ^(b)1.5 equiv 14. ^(c)3.0 equiv 14. ^(d)2.0 equiv 14. ^(e)Yields were quantified by GC-MS due to volatility of products. ^(f)0.1 mL H₂O was added into 0.5 mL CH₃CN.

To further demonstrate the flexibility and robustness of the reagent according to the invention, Applicant also demonstrated that a simple household compact fluorescence lamp (CFL) could be employed as the light source to promote the reactions (Table 3). The lower yields driven by CFL compared to Xenon lamp can be attributed to the lower conversion of the starting material however prolonging the reaction time can enhance the conversion rate and consequently the reaction yields.

TABLE 3 CFL as light source to promote the trifluoromethylation^(a)

15

19

20

23

24

25

26

27 ^(a)All the reactions were conducted with arene (0.1 mmol), 14 (0.15 mmol), CH₃CN (0.5 mL), 45 watts CFL under argon for 48 h and the yields are isolated ones, which are followed by the conversion in the parenthesis. ^(b)The conversion was calibrated by ¹H-NMR. ^(c)The conversion was calibrated by GC/MS. ^(d)This yield was determined by GC/MS due to its volatility.

Applicant has next demonstrated the alkylation or aromatic and heteroaromatic rings. The nucleophilic alkyl radical tends to react with the electron-deficient heteroaromatics in acidic conditions. Therefore, the reaction between 2-phenyl quinoline 35 and isopropyl radical source 36 were used (Table 4). CH₃CN was employed with 1 equiv of TFA at room temperature. Changing the reaction solvent and the temperature allowed for changing the yield.

TABLE 4 alkylation of 2-phenylquinoline

solvent TFA (equiv) T (° C.) yield (%)^(b) CH₃CN  1 r.t.  7 acetone  1 r.t. 13 acetone  1 50 22 acetone  3 50 51 acetone 10 50 68 CH₃CN 10 50 19 DCM 10 50 12 DMF 10 50  3 DMSO 10 50 10 EtOAc 10 50 19 MeOH 10 50 15 acetone 10 80 75 acetone 20 80 81 ^(a)All the reactions were conducted with 0.1 mmol 35, 0.15 mmol 36 in 0.5 mL solvent with a 300 Watts mercury lamp under argon for 10 h. ^(b)The yield was determined by GC/MS.

Applicant has next demonstrated the scope of the invention by expanding the nature of the heteroaromatic rings (Table 5). Different substituents can be present on the ring.

TABLE 5 Heteroarenes for the alkylation^(a)

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57 ^(a)All the reactions were conducted with 0.1 mmol heteroarene, 0.12 mmol 36 in 0.5 mL acetone with a 300 watts mercury lamp under argon for 10 h. ^(b)isolated yield and the ratio of different isomers for 56 and 57 was determined by GC/MS.

Other alkyl substituents were also evaluated (Table 6). It was found that primary (58-60, 68), secondary (61, 65-67) and tertiary alkyl groups (62) can all alkylate the heteroarenes in good yields (32%-72%) even with only 1.5 equiv of alkylation reagents.

TABLE 6 Alkyl groups for the alkylation^(a)

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68 ^(a)All the reactions were conducted with 0.1 mmol heteroarene, 0.15 mmol alkylation reagents in 0.5 mL acetone with a 300 watts’ mercury lamp under argon for 10 h and the yields are isolated ones.

Yet next, the applicants demonstrated the scope of difluoromethylation reactions. Both 5 an d6-membered heteroarenes can give the difrluomethylation products upon photo irridation.

Characterization Data of Compounds

1-Phenyl-2-((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)ethan-1-one (11)

Eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 76%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.95 (dd, J=8.4, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 7.71-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 4.88 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 184.8, 135.3, 135.1, 129.3, 129.2, 119.3 (q, J=327.6 Hz), 56.9. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −77.2.

1-(Naphthalen-2-yl)-2-((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)ethan-1-one (12)

Eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 68%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.48 (d, J=1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (dd, J=8.7, 1.9 Hz, 2H), 7.97 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (ddd, J=8.2, 6.9, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (ddd, J=8.1, 7.0, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.97 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 184.4, 136.5, 132.6, 132.4, 132.3, 130.1, 130.0, 129.4, 128.1, 127.6, 123.7, 119.4 (q, J=327.6 Hz), 57.1. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −76.9. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₃H₉F₃NaO₃S [M+Na]⁺: 325.0106, found 325.0117.

2-((Trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (13)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 82%. Colorless oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.84 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.75-7.69 (m, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.52-7.46 (m, 1H), 4.53-4.51 (m, 1H), 3.84-3.80 (m, 1H), 3.73-3.59 (m, 1H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 190.8, 151.2, 136.8, 135.0, 129.0, 126.7, 125.5, 119.7 (q, J=330.1 Hz), 64.4, 27.8. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −74.5. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C10H7F3NaO3S [M+H]⁺: 286.9960, found 286.9968.

1-Phenyl-2-((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)propan-1-one (14)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 82%. Colorless oil. 1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.98 (dd, J=8.4, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 7.74-7.64 (m, 1H), 7.55 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 5.33 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 1.84 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 189.1, 135.1, 135.0, 129.3, 129.2, 119.8 (q, J=330.1 Hz), 61.3, 13.0. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −74.3.

1,3,5-Trimethoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzene (15)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 96%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.13 (s, 2H), 3.84 (s, 6H), 3.83 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 163.6, 160.5, 124.5 (q, J=276.8 Hz), 100.5 (q, J=30.2 Hz), 91.4, 56.4, 55.5. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −54.1.

1,2,3-Trimethoxy-5-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene (16)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 76%. Colorless oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.49 (s, 1H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 2.42 (q, J=3.4 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 155.3, 153.5 (q, J=1.9 Hz), 141.1, 133.2 (q, J=1.8 Hz), 125.0 (q, J=274.7 Hz), 115.6 (q, J=29.0 Hz), 110.9, 61.9, 60.9, 56.1, 21.70 (q, J=4.2 Hz). ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −54.3.

Methyl 3,4,5-trimethoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzoate (17)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 73%. Colorless liquid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.75 (s, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 168.6, 156.0, 153.1, 144.3, 128.6 (q, J=2.9 Hz), 123.2 (q, J=273.8 Hz), 114.7 (q, J=31.0 Hz), 107.0, 62.0, 61.1, 56.4, 53.2. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −56.9.

1-(2,4,6-Trimethoxy-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethan-1-one (18)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 68%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.30 (s, 1H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 2.48 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 201.2, 161.0, 159.9, 157.8, 123.7 (q, J=274.3 Hz), 119.9, 105.5 (q, J=30.2 Hz), 92.2, 64.8, 56.6, 56.0, 32.6. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −55.8.

1,4-Dimethoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzene (19)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 70%. Colorless liquid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.12 (d, J=3.1 Hz, 1H), 7.02 (dd, J=9.0, 3.1 Hz, 1H), 6.94 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.80 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 153.1, 151.7 (q, J=1.7 Hz), 123.6 (q, J=273.4 Hz), 119.6 (q, J=30.5 Hz), 118.3, 113.8, 113.0 (q, J=5.2 Hz), 56.8, 56.1. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −62.4.

2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenol (21)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 78%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.41 (s, 2H), 5.55 (br, 1H), 1.46 (s, 18H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 156.6, 136.4, 125.1 (q, J=272.2 Hz), 122.4 (q, J=3.8 Hz), 121.6 (q, J=31.5 Hz), 34.6, 30.2. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −61.2.

1-Phenyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole (23)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 71%. Colorless oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.49-7.42 (m, 3H), 7.39-7.37 (m, 2H), 6.93-6.86 (m, 1H), 6.77-6.71 (m, 1H), 6.32-6.25 (m, 1H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 139.3, 129.1, 128.6, 127.4 (q, J=1.9 Hz), 126.6 (q, J=1.0 Hz), 122.4, (q, J=38.3 Hz), 121.4 (q, J=267.1 Hz), 112.8 (q, J=3.4 Hz), 108.4. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −55.9.

2-Phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indole (24)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (8:1). Yield: 91%. Yellow solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.34 (br, 1H), 7.83 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.62-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.53-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.43 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.33-7.24 (m, 2H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 138.7 (q, J=3.8 Hz), 135.0, 131.2, 129.5, 129.2, 128.8, 125.7 (q, J=1.7 Hz), 124.9 (q, J=267.1 Hz), 123.6, 121.8, 120.2, 111.2, 103.7 (q, J=35.7 Hz). ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −52.9.

3-Methyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indole (25)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 75%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.16 (br, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.35-7.30 (m, 1H), 7.22-7.17 (m, 1H), 2.45 (q, J=1.8 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 135.3, 128.2, 124.9, 122.2 (q, J=268.4 Hz), 121.6 (q, J=36.5 Hz), 120.5, 120.2, 114.2 (q, J=3.0 Hz), 111.7, 8.5. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −58.7.

Methyl 2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxylate (26)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (8:1). Yield: 62%. Colorless oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 9.03 (br, 1H), 8.26 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 3.98 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 163.6, 133.9, 129.0 (q, J=39.0 Hz), 126.6, 125.7, 123.4, 123.0, 120.5 (q, J=270.9 Hz), 112.0, 108.5, 51.8. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −59.9.

Caffeine-CF₃ ^([10]) (27)

Eluent: DCE/Methanol (10:1). Yield: 48%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.15 (s, 3H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.41 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 155.6, 151.5, 146.7, 139.1 (q, J=40.3 Hz), 118.3 (q, J=271.7 Hz), 109.8, 33.3 (q, J=1.9 Hz), 30.0, 28.3. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −62.4.

2-Methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole (28)

Eluent: DCE/Methanol (10:1). Yield: 42%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, (CD₃)₂CO) δ 7.50 (s, 1H), 2.36 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, (CD₃)₂CO) δ 147.0, 131.3 (q, J=37.8 Hz), 123.4 (q, J=265.9 Hz), 117.4, 13.8. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, (CD₃)₂CO) δ −62.9.

2-Phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-4-chromenone (CF3-flavone, 30)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (8:1). Yield: 50%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.28 (dd, J=8.4, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.62-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.55-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.50-7.47 (m, 2H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 174.5, 167.2, 155.6, 134.9, 132.6, 131.5, 129.0, 128.7 (q, J=3.2 Hz), 128.5, 126.3, 123.5, 122.8 (q, J=273.4 Hz), 118.1, 113.3 (q, J=29.0 Hz). ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −56.2.

5-Trifluoromethyluridine (31)

Eluent: DCE/Methanol (10:1). Yield: 38%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, d₄-MeOH) δ 8.90 (s, 1H), 5.89 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 4.21-4.17 (m, 2H), 4.06 (dt, J=5.0, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 3.92 (dd, J=12.1, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 3.76 (dd, J=12.1, 2.1 Hz, 1H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, d₄-MeOH) δ 161.2, 151.5, 143.9 (q, J=2.8 Hz), 123.9 (q, J=268.9 Hz), 105.4 (q, J=32.9 Hz), 91.6, 86.2, 76.4, 70.5, 61.2. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, d₄-MeOH) δ −64.5.

Trifluridine (32)

Eluent: DCE/Methanol (10:1). Yield: 46%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, d₄-MeOH) δ 8.79 (s, 1H), 6.24 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 1H), 4.41 (dt, J=6.0, 4.0 Hz, 1H), 3.97 (dd, J=6.2, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 3.84 (dd, J=11.9, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 3.74 (dd, J=11.9, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 2.37 (ddd, J=13.6, 6.2, 4.3 Hz, 1H), 2.31-2.23 (m, 1H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, d₄-MeOH) δ 161.2, 151.3, 143.8 (q, J=6.3 Hz), 123.9 (q, J=269.6 Hz), 105.3 (q, J=32.8 Hz), 89.3, 87.5, 71.7, 62.1, 42.1. ¹⁹F NMR (471 MHz, d₄-MeOH) δ −64.5.

Methyl (S)-2-acetamido-3-(2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propanoate (33)

Eluent: DCE/Methanol (30:1). Yield: 52%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.61 (s, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (ddd, J=8.0, 7.0, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.05 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 4.96 (dd, J=14.3, 6.2 Hz, 1H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 3.45-3.36 (m, 2H), 1.94 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 172.2, 169.9, 135.4, 127.5, 125.3, 122.7 (q, J=36.7 Hz), 122.0 (q, J=269.7 Hz), 121.1, 120.3, 112.4 (q, J=2.5 Hz), 112.0, 52.7, 52.6, 27.2, 23.2. ¹⁹F NMR (377 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −57.93. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₅H₁₆N₂O₃F₃[M+H]⁺: 329.1107, found 329.1101.

Methyl (S)-(2-acetamido-3-(2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propanoyl)glycinate (34)

Eluent: DCE/Methanol (30:1). Yield: 41%. White solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 11.90 (s, 1H), 8.32 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.14-7.07 (m, 1H), 4.59 (td, J=8.6, 5.5 Hz, 1H), 3.81-3.74 (m, 2H), 3.60 (s, 3H), 3.30-3.28 (m, 1H), 3.02 (dd, J=15.0, 8.3 Hz, 1H), 1.71 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (101 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ 171.3, 170.0, 168.9, 135.6, 127.0, 124.1, 122.2 (q, J=270.7 Hz), 121.4 (q, J=35.6 Hz), 120.4, 119.7, 113.0 (q, J=3.0 Hz), 112.1, 53.4, 51.7, 40.7, 26.9, 22.5. ¹⁹F NMR (377 MHz, d₆-DMSO) δ −56.2. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₇H₁₈N₃O₄F₃Na [M+Na]⁺: 408.1141, found 408.1130.

2-(Isopropylsulfonyl)-1-phenylpropan-1-one (36)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 80%. White solid. 1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.02 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.64 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 5.04 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 3.51-3.39 (m, 1H), 1.75 (dd, J=7.1, 1.1 Hz, 3H), 1.44 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 3H), 1.31 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 193.6, 135.9, 134.4, 129.2, 129.1, 62.4, 52.5, 15.9, 15.9, 13.2. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₂H₁₅O₃S [M+H]⁺: 239.0747, found 239.0740.

4-Isopropyl-2-phenylquinoline (37)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 78%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.20 (dd, J=8.4, 0.7 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 7.71 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56-7.48 (m, 3H), 7.49-7.44 (m, 1H), 3.87-3.73 (m, 1H), 1.47 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 157.5, 155.0, 148.7, 140.4, 130.8, 129.3, 129.2, 128.9, 127.8, 126.1, 126.0, 123.1, 115.1, 28.7, 23.2.

4-Isopropyl-2-methylquinoline (38)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (3:1). Yield: 52%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.09-8.01 (m, 2H), 7.65 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.9, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (ddd, J=8.2, 6.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 3.74-3.68 (m, 1H), 2.73 (s, 3H), 1.39 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 159.0, 154.4, 148.3, 129.7, 128.9, 125.5, 125.3, 123.0, 117.9, 28.4, 25.7, 23.1.

4-Isopropyl-8-methoxy-2-methylquinoline (39)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 70%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.61 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.43-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 7.02 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 4.07 (s, 3H), 3.69-3.64 (m, 1H), 2.77 (s, 3H), 1.38 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 158.0, 155.5, 154.3, 140.1, 126.4, 125.3, 118.4, 115.0, 107.1, 56.1, 28.7, 26.1, 23.1. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₄H₁₈ON [M+H]⁺: 216.1388, found 216.1383.

4-Isopropyl-2,8-dimethoxyquinoline (40)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (6:1). Yield: 48%.

Colorless oil. Mixture with starting material. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.56 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.34-7.28 (m, 1H), 7.05-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 4.12 (s, 3H), 4.05 (s, 3H), 3.62-3.57 (m, 1H), 1.36 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 162.2, 157.3, 154.8, 138.5, 125.3, 123.6, 115.5, 109.0, 108.7, 56.5, 53.3, 28.8, 22.9. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₄H₁₇NNaO₂ [M+Na]⁺: 254.1159, found 254.1151.

Methyl 4-isopropylquinoline-2-carboxylate (41)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (6:1). Yield: 62%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.32 (dd, J=8.5, 0.7 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 7.76 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 4.09 (s, 3H), 3.79 (hept, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 1.45 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.5, 156.2, 148.0, 147.9, 131.8, 129.8, 128.4, 128.2, 123.2, 117.1, 53.3, 28.8, 23.0. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₄H₁₅NNaO₂ [M+Na]⁺: 252.1000, found 252.0995.

4-Isopropyl-6-methoxyquinoline-2-carbonitrile (42)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 46%. Yellow solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.07 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.46 (dd, J=9.3, 2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.70-3.60 (m, 1H), 1.42 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 159.9, 154.6, 144.7, 132.7, 131.2, 129.0, 123.4, 120.0, 118.4, 101.2, 55.8, 28.9, 22.6. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₄H₁₄N₂NaO [M+Na]⁺: 249.1011, found 249.0998.

4-Isopropylquinoline-3-carbonitrile (43)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (3:1). Yield: 52%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.95 (s, 1H), 8.30 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.17 (dd, J=8.4, 0.7 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.08-4.02 (m, 1H), 1.65 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 160.4, 151.5, 149.3, 132.0, 131.1, 127.9, 125.5, 124.4, 117.9, 105.0, 29.8, 21.7. HRMS (APCI) calcd for C₁₃H₁₃N₂[M+H]⁺: 197.10765, found 197.10732.

2-Isopropyl-4-methylquinoline (44)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 78%. Colorless oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.04 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (dd, J=8.3, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.9, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (ddd, J=8.2, 6.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 3.24-3.18 (m, 1H), 2.69 (s, 3H), 1.39 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 167.5, 147.7, 144.4, 129.7, 129.1, 127.2, 125.5, 123.7, 119.9, 37.4, 22.7, 19.0.

6-Chloro-2-isopropyl-4-methylquinoline (45)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 65%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.97 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (dd, J=8.9, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 3.26-3.14 (m, 1H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 1.37 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 167.8, 146.2, 143.7, 131.3, 131.3, 129.8, 127.9, 122.8, 120.8, 37.3, 22.6, 18.9. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₃H₁₅NCl [M+H]⁺: 220.08917, found 220.08875.

2-Isopropyl-6,8-dimethoxy-4-methylquinoline (46)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 92%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.18 (s, 1H), 6.72 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.70 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 3.32-3.27 (m, 1H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 1.35 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 164.1, 157.5, 156.6, 143.1, 135.8, 128.6, 120.2, 100.7, 93.6, 56.4, 55.5, 37.5, 23.1, 19.7. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₅H₂₀NO₂ [M+H]⁺: 246.1495, found 246.1489.

2-Isopropyl-4-phenylquinoline (47)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 54%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.15 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.9, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.50 (m, 5H), 7.46 (ddd, J=8.2, 6.9, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 3.35-3.30 (m, 1H), 1.46 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 167.3, 148.9, 148.4, 138.7, 129.7, 129.5, 129.3, 128.6, 128.4, 125.8, 125.7, 125.6, 119.5, 37.5, 22.7. HRMS (APCI) calcd for C₁₈H₁₈N [M+H]⁺: 248.14359, found 248.14338.

2-Isopropyl-6,8-dimethoxy-4-phenylquinoline (48)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 86%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.14 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 7.49 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.74 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 4.06 (s, 3H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.68-3.61 (m, 1H), 1.46 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 157.9, 157.2, 153.8, 153.2, 140.4, 137.1, 128.65, 128.64, 127.44, 127.43, 115.7, 100.7, 93.0, 56.2, 55.5, 29.0, 22.8. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₂₀H₂₂NO₂ [M+H]⁺: 308.1654, found 308.1645.

Methyl 2-isopropylquinoline-4-carboxylate (49)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 78%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.67 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (dd, J=8.4, 0.5 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 7.73 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.9, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.05 (s, 3H), 3.30 (hept, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 1.42 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 167.2, 167.2, 148.8, 135.5, 129.7, 129.7, 127.3, 125.5, 123.8, 120.9, 52.8, 37.4, 22.5. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₄H₁₆NO₂ [M+H]⁺: 230.1179, found 230.1176.

2-Isopropyl-4-phenylpyridine (50)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (6:1). Yield: 43%. Pale yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.59 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.67-7.61 (m, 2H), 7.48 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 7.45-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.32 (dd, J=5.1, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 3.16-3.11 (m, 1H), 1.36 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 168.0, 149.6, 149.0, 138.9, 129.2, 129.0, 127.2, 119.4, 118.9, 36.6, 22.8.

2-Isopropylbenzo[d]thiazole (51)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (5:1). Yield: 84%. Pale yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.98 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.48-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.38-7.31 (m, 1H), 3.46-3.40 (m, 1H), 1.49 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 178.7, 153.3, 134.8, 126.0, 124.7, 122.7, 121.7, 34.2, 23.1.

9-Isopropylacridine (52)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 66%. Pale yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.44 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 8.23 (dd, J=8.7, 0.5 Hz, 2H), 7.74 (ddd, J=8.7, 6.5, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (ddd, J=8.8, 6.5, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 4.57-4.51 (m, 1H), 1.77 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 152.1, 149.2, 130.9, 129.9, 129.5, 125.1, 124.7, 28.6, 23.0.

6-Isopropylphenanthridine (53)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 86%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.66 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 8.54 (dd, J=8.2, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.33 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (dd, J=8.2, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (ddd, J=8.3, 7.0, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.72-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.61 (ddd, J=8.3, 7.0, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 4.01 (hept, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 1.53 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.0, 143.9, 133.2, 130.1, 130.1, 128.5, 127.2, 126.3, 125.8, 124.9, 123.6, 122.7, 121.9, 31.6, 22.1.

8-Isopropyl-1,3,9-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,9H)-dione (54)

Eluent: DCE/Methanol (10:1). Yield: 48%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 3.92 (s, 3H), 3.57 (s, 3H), 3.39 (s, 3H), 3.09-3.04 (m, 1H), 1.34 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 158.9, 155.6, 151.9, 148.2, 107.3, 31.5, 29.9, 28.0, 26.3, 21.0.

2-Isopropyl-7H-purine (55)

Eluent: DCE/Methanol (10:1). Yield: 72%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, d₄-MeOH) δ 8.80 (s, 1H), 8.45 (s, 1H), 3.76-3.65 (m, 1H), 1.43 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, d₄-MeOH) δ 165.8, 155.7, 153.1, 146.5, 129.4, 33.0, 21.4. HRMS (APCI) calcd for C₈H₁₁N₄ [M+H]⁺: 163.0977, found 163.0978.

4-Isopropylbenzo[h]quinolone (56)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 67%. Colorless oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 9.33 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.95 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.75-7.66 (m, 2H), 7.45 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 1H), 3.82 (dt, J=13.7, 6.8 Hz, 1H), 1.44 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 154.3, 148.9, 146.6, 133.2, 132.3, 128.1, 127.7, 127.4, 127.1, 125.0, 124.7, 120.8, 118.0, 28.7, 23.2. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₆H₁₆N [M+H]⁺: 222.1278, found 222.1277.

2-Isopropyl-8-methylquinoline (57)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 66%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.03 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 3.31-3.18 (m, 1H), 2.81 (s, 3H), 1.40 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.2, 146.8, 137.2, 136.3, 129.3, 126.8, 125.5, 125.3, 119.4, 37.3, 22.7, 17.9.

2-Hexyl-6,8-dimethoxy-4-methylquinoline (58)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 53%. Yellow solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.15 (s, 1H), 6.73 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.70 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 2.93 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 1.81-1.74 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.39 (m, 2H), 1.35-1.30 (m, 4H), 0.91-0.86 (m, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 159.3, 157.4, 156.5, 142.8, 136.2, 128.3, 123.0, 100.6, 93.6, 56.3, 55.6, 39.4, 32.0, 30.4, 29.6, 22.7, 19.6, 14.2. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₈H₂₆NO₂ [M+H]⁺: 288.1964, found 288.1958.

2-Heptyl-6,8-dimethoxy-4-methylquinoline (59)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 68%. Yellow solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.15 (s, 1H), 6.73 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.70 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 2.93 (t, J=7.5, 2H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 1.81-1.74 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.38 (m, 2H), 1.37-1.31 (m, 2H), 1.30-1.25 (m, 4H), 0.88 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 159.3, 157.4, 156.5, 142.8, 136.2, 128.3, 123.0, 100.6, 93.6, 56.3, 55.6, 39.4, 31.9, 30.4, 29.9, 29.4, 22.8, 19.6, 14.2. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₉H₂₈NO₂ [M+H]⁺: 302.2122, found 302.2115.

2-(2-Ethylhexyl)-6,8-dimethoxy-4-methylquinoline (60)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 32%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.11 (s, 1H), 6.73 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.69 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 4.02 (s, 3H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 2.88 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 1.95-1.86 (m, 1H), 1.36-1.24 (m, 8H), 0.90-0.83 (m, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 158.6, 157.4, 156.6, 142.3, 136.4, 128.3, 123.5, 100.7, 93.6, 56.4, 55.6, 43.5, 39.9, 32.6, 28.9, 25.9, 23.2, 19.6, 14.3, 10.9. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₂₀H₃₀NO₂ [M+H]⁺: 316.2280, found 316.2271.

2-Cyclohexyl-6,8-dimethoxy-4-methylquinoline (61)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 72%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.17 (s, 1H), 6.72 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.70 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 2.96 (tt, J=12.0, 3.4 Hz, 1H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.06-1.98 (m, 2H), 1.88-1.81 (m, 2H), 1.77 (dd, J=12.6, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 1.58-1.50 (m, 2H), 1.49-1.39 (m, 2H), 1.36-1.29 (m, 1H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 163.3, 157.5, 156.6, 142.9, 136.0, 128.6, 120.8, 100.6, 93.6, 56.4, 55.6, 47.7, 33.4, 26.6, 26.3, 19.7. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₈H₂₄NO₂ [M+H]⁺: 286.1807, found 286.1802.

2-(tert-Butyl)-6,8-dimethoxy-4-methylquinoline (62)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 46%. Yellow solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.35 (s, 1H), 6.73 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.69 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 1.46 (s, 9H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 165.4, 157.5, 156.9, 142.4, 135.6, 128.2, 120.2, 101.0, 93.6, 56.6, 55.5, 38.0, 30.4, 19.8. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₆H₂₂NO₂ [M+H]⁺: 260.1648, found 260.1645.

2-Cyclohexyl-4-methylquinoline (65)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 40%. Colorless oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.04 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.9, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.52-7.46 (m, 1H), 7.16 (s, 1H), 2.87 (tt, J=12.1, 3.4 Hz, 1H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 2.03-2.00 (m, 2H), 1.93-1.86 (m, 2H), 1.83-1.76 (m, 1H), 1.62 (ddd, J=25.0, 12.5, 3.1 Hz, 2H), 1.53-1.42 (m, 2H), 1.39-1.31 (m, 1H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.7, 147.8, 144.3, 129.6, 129.0, 127.2, 125.5, 123.7, 120.4, 47.8, 33.0, 26.7, 26.3, 19.0.

4-Cyclohexyl-8-methoxy-2-methylquinoline (66)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 50%. Colorless oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.60 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.01 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 4.06 (s, 3H), 3.28-3.20 (m, 1H), 2.76 (s, 3H), 2.01-1.99 (m, 2H), 1.94-1.91 (m, 2H), 1.87-1.81 (m, 1H), 1.57-1.49 (m, 4H), 1.32-1.37 (m, 1H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 158.0, 155.6, 153.3, 140.2, 126.4, 125.2, 119.0, 114.9, 107.1, 56.1, 39.3, 33.7, 27.1, 26.5, 26.1. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₇H₂₂NO [M+H]⁺: 256.1697, found 256.1696.

2-Cyclohexyl-4-phenylquinoline (67)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 52%. Colorless oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.11 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (dd, J=8.4, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.8, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.56-7.46 (m, 5H), 7.43 (ddd, J=8.2, 6.8, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 2.96 (tt, J=12.1, 3.4 Hz, 1H), 2.09-2.06 (m, 2H), 1.93-1.87 (m, 2H), 1.80-1.78 (m, 1H), 1.70-1.63 (m, 2H), 1.53-1.44 (m, 2H), 1.38-1.31 (m, 1H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.5, 148.8, 148.4, 138.7, 129.7, 129.5, 129.3, 128.6, 128.4, 125.8, 125.7, 125.7, 120.0, 47.8, 33.0, 26.7, 26.3. HRMS (APCI) calcd for C₂₁H₂₂N [M+H]⁺: 288.1745, found 288.1747.

2-Hexyl-4-methylquinoline (68)

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (10:1). Yield: 38%. Yellow oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.04 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (dd, J=8.3, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (ddd, J=8.3, 6.9, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (ddd, J=8.1, 6.9, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.14 (s, 1H), 2.95-2.89 (m, 2H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 1.84-1.75 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.39 (m, 2H), 1.36-1.29 (m, 4H), 0.88 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 163.0, 147.9, 144.2, 129.5, 129.1, 126.9, 125.5, 123.7, 122.2, 39.5, 31.9, 30.2, 29.5, 22.7, 18.8, 14.2. HRMS (APCI) calcd for C₁₆H₂₂N [M+H]⁺: 228.1750, found 228.1747.

2-(Hexylsulfonyl)-1-phenylpropan-1-one

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (20:1). Yield: 78%.

Colorless oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.02 (dd, J=8.4, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 7.66-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 4.99 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 3.18-3.01 (m, 2H), 1.89-1.76 (m, 2H), 1.71 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.45-1.35 (m, 2H), 1.29-1.27 (m, 4H), 0.86 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 193.9, 135.9, 134.4, 129.3, 129.0, 64.0, 49.1, 31.3, 28.3, 22.3, 20.5, 14.0, 13.5. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₅H₂₂NaO₃S [M+Na]⁺: 305.1190, found 305.1182.

2-(Heptylsulfonyl)-1-phenylpropan-1-one

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (20:1). Yield: 80%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.03 (dd, J=8.4, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 7.68-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 4.99 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 3.19-3.02 (m, 2H), 1.87-1.79 (m, 2H), 1.73 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.41 (dd, J=15.2, 8.0 Hz, 2H), 1.36-1.23 (m, 6H), 0.87 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 194.0, 136.0, 134.6, 129.4, 129.1, 64.1, 49.1, 31.5, 28.9, 28.7, 22.6, 20.6, 14.1, 13.6. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₆H₂₄NaO₃S [M+Na]⁺: 319.1347, found 319.1338.

2-((2-Ethylhexyl)sulfonyl)-1-phenylpropan-1-one

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (20:1). Yield: 73%. Colorless oil. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.03 (dd, J=8.4, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 7.64 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 4.95 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 3.12 (ddd, J=13.7, 6.1, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 3.04-2.98 (m, 1H), 2.19-2.08 (m, 1H), 1.73 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.58-1.42 (m, 4H), 1.32-1.23 (m, 4H), 0.93-0.83 (m, 6H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 194.3, 136.1, 134.5, 129.4, 129.0, 64.8, 51.9, 33.1, 32.8, 28.3, 26.1, 22.8, 14.1, 13.7, 10.3. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₇H₂₆NaO₃S [M+Na]⁺: 333.1505, found 333.1495.

2-(Cyclohexylsulfonyl)-1-phenylpropan-1-one

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (20:1). Yield: 82%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.00 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.62 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 5.01 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 3.17 (tt, J=12.1, 3.4 Hz, 1H), 2.23-2.20 (m, 1H), 2.01-1.99 (m, 1H), 1.91-1.89 (m, 1H), 1.84-1.83 (m, 1H), 1.72 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.69-1.60 (m, 2H), 1.53-1.51 (m, 1H), 1.31-1.26 (m, 1H), 1.24-1.12 (m, 2H). 13C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 193.6, 136.0, 134.3, 129.1, 129.0, 62.1, 60.3, 25.4, 25.2, 25.1, 13.0. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₅H₂₀NaO₃S [M+Na]⁺: 303.1027, found 303.1025.

2-(tert-Butylsulfonyl)-1-phenylpropan-1-one

Eluent: Hexane/ethyl acetate (20:1). Yield: 86%. White solid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.02 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.62 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 5.08 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 1.77 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.44 (s, 9H). ¹³C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 193.1, 136.2, 134.1, 129.2, 129.0, 63.6, 60.0, 24.3, 14.7. HRMS (ESI) calcd for C₁₃H₁₈NaO₃S [M+Na]⁺: 277.0868, found 277.0869.

2-((Difluoromethyl)sulfonyl)-1,2-diphenylethan-1-one

(3.54 g, 95%) was prepared and isolated by column chromatography as the brownish solid.

R_(f)=0.17 (Hex:EtOAc=8:2);

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.90 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 7.60-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.44-7.40 (m, 5H), 6.72 (t, J=54.0 Hz, 1H), 6.38 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H);

¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 190.5, 134.8, 134.1, 130.9, 130.6, 129.7, 129.2, 129.1, 125.3, 115.2 (t, J=286.6 Hz), 73.9;

¹⁹F NMR (377 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −121.60 (dd, J=276.7, 54.1 Hz, 1F), −122.81 (ddd, J=276.7, 53.8, 2.0 Hz, 1F);

Melting point 92.9-96.6° C.;

8-(Difluoromethyl)-1,3,7-trimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione

(1a, 20.5 mg, 84%) was prepared and isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography as the white powder. This compound is known and its characterization data are consistent with literature report.¹

R_(f)=0.54 (Hex:EtOAc=2:8);

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.77 (t, J=52.3 Hz, 1H), 4.18 (s, 3H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.44 (s, 3H);

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 155.6, 151.4, 146.9, 142.8 (t, J=27.5 Hz), 109.8 (t, J=238.0 Hz), 109.5, 32.9, 29.8, 28.1;

¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −115.00 (d, J=52.3 Hz, 2F);

Melting point 168.6-167.8° C.;

GC-MS (EI) for C₉H₁₀F₂N₄O₂ Calcd: 244.1; Found: 244.1.

8-(Difluoromethyl)-3,7-dimethyl-1-(3-oxobutyl)-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione

(2b, 17.1 mg, 52%) was prepared and isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography as the colorless solid. This compound is known, and its characterization data are consistent with literature report.¹

R_(f)=0.34 (Hex:EtOAc=1:1);

¹H NMR (500 MHz, Acetone-d₆) δ 6.76 (t, J=52.3 Hz, 1H), 4.16 (s, 3H), 4.03 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.57 (s, 3H), 2.52 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 1.68-1.66 (m, 4H);

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 208.7, 155.4, 151.2, 147.0, 142.9 (t, J=27.4 Hz), 109.8 (t, J=238.0 Hz), 109.5, 43.1, 41.0, 32.9, 30.0, 29.7, 27.4, 20.9;

¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −114.98 (d, J=52.2 Hz, 2F);

GC-MS (EI) for C₁₄H₁₈F₂N₄O₃ Calcd: 328.1; Found: 328.2.

(S)-2-(Difluoromethyl)-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine

(3b, 6.6 mg, 31%) was prepared and isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography as the colorless oil. This compound is known and its characterization data are consistent with literature report.¹

R_(f)=0.23 (Hex:EtOAc=1:1);

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.59 (s, 1H), 7.88 (dd, J=8.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.66 (t, J=55.6 Hz, 1H), 3.28 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.19 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (q, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 2.30-2.22 (m, 1H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.07-1.94 (m, 1H), 1.91-1.81 (m, 1H), 1.78-1.61 (m, 1H);

¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 151.7 (t, J=25.7 Hz), 149.1, 141.3, 136.1, 120.1 (t, J=2.9 Hz), 114.1 (t, J=239.9 Hz), 68.5, 57.0, 40.4, 35.4, 22.7;

¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −115.27 (d, J=55.8 Hz, 2F);

GC-MS (EI) for C₁₁H₁₄F₂N₂ Calcd: 212.2; Found: 212.1.

2-(Difluoromethyl)quinoline

(4b, 10.4 mg, 58%) was prepared and isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography as the colorless oil. This compound is known and its characterization data are consistent with literature report.²

R_(f)=0.15 (Hex:EtOAc=9:1);

¹H NMR (500 MHz, Acetone-d₆) δ 8.93 (d, J=4.3 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (dd, J=8.5, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.76-7.72 (m, 1H), 7.63-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.42 (t, J=54.2 Hz, 1H);

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 150.0, 148.6, 137.8, 130.4, 130.0, 127.8, 124.2, 123.3, 118.0 (t, J=7.7 Hz), 113.3 (t, J=240.6 Hz);

¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −115.09 (d, J=54.5 Hz, 2F);

GC-MS (EI) for C₁₀H₇F₂N Calcd: 179.0; Found: 179.0.

2,4-Bis(difluoromethyl)quinoline

(4b′, 6.6 mg, 29%) was prepared and isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography as the colorless oil. It was found that the volatility of this compound prevents precious quantification and yield presented here is determined based on the GC-MS. This compound is known and its characterization data are consistent with literature report.²

R_(f)=0.50 (Hex:EtOAc=9:1);

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.27 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.17 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.89 (td, J=7.0, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (td, J=7.7, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (t, J=54.3 Hz, 1H), 6.83 (t, J=55.1 Hz, 1H);

-   -   a³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 152.6 (t, J=27.0 Hz), 147.6, 139.8         (t, J=22.0 Hz), 130.8, 130.7, 129.2, 124.7, 123.4, 114.2 (t,         J=241.3 Hz), 114.2 (t, J=8.2 Hz), 113.0 (t, J=241.7 Hz);

¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −114.46 (d, J=54.6 Hz, 2F), −115.14 (d, J=54.3 Hz, 2F);

GC-MS (EI) for C₁₁H₇F₄N Calcd: 229.1; Found: 229.0.

6-(Difluoromethyl)phenanthridine

(5b, 11.0 mg, 48%) was prepared and isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography as the white solid. This compound is known, and its characterization data are consistent with literature report.³

R_(f)=0.48 (Hex:EtOAc=9:1);

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.72 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.64-8.61 (m, 2H), 8.24-8.22 (m, 1H), 7.94 (td, J=7.7, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.83-7.77 (m, 4H); 13C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 151.4 (t, J=26.6 Hz), 142.5, 133.8, 131.2, 130.6, 129.1, 128.6, 127.8, 126.5 (t, J=4.2 Hz), 125.0, 122.4, 122.2, 118.4 (t, J=243.4 Hz);

¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −110.57 (d, J=56.3 Hz, 2F);

GC-MS (EI) for C₁₄H₉F₂N Calcd: 229.0; Found: 229.1.

Ethyl 2-(difluoromethyl)isonicotinate

(6b, 6.2 mg, 31%) was prepared and isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography as the colorless oil. This compound is known, and its characterization data are consistent with literature report.²

R_(f)=0.22 (Hex:EtOAc=9:1);

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.83 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 1H), 8.21 (s, 1H), 8.00 (d, J=4.9 Hz, 1H), 6.72 (t, J=55.3 Hz, 1H), 4.47 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.45 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H);

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 164.3, 153.9 (t, J=26.2 Hz), 150.4, 139.3, 124.7, 119.6 (t, J=3.1 Hz), 113.5 (t, J=240.9 Hz), 62.2, 14.2;

¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −116.02 (d, J=55.1 Hz, 2F);

GC-MS (EI) for C₉H₉F₂NO₂ Calcd: 201.1; Found: 201.1.

1-(2-(Difluoromethyl)pyridin-4-yl)ethan-1-one

(7b, 6.0 mg, 35%) was prepared and isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography as the colorless oil. This compound is known, and its characterization data are consistent with literature report.¹

R_(f)=0.17 (Hex:EtOAc=8:2);

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.88 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 7.88 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 1H), 6.74 (t, J=55.3 Hz, 1H), 2.70 (s, 3H);

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 196.3, 154.3 (t, J=26.4 Hz), 150.8, 144.2, 123.0, 118.0 (t, J=3.0 Hz), 113.5 (t, J=241.0 Hz), 26.7;

¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −115.99 (d, J=55.6 Hz, 2F);

GC-MS (EI) for C₈H₇F₂NO Calcd: 171.0; Found: 171.0.

(2-(Difluoromethyl)pyridin-4-yl)(pyrrolidin-1-yl)methanone

(8b, 10.6 mg, 47%) was prepared and isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography as the colorless oil. This compound is new.

R_(f)=0.17 (Hex:EtOAc=1:1);

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.74 (d, J=4.9 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (s, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 6.67 (t, J=55.3 Hz, 1H), 3.67 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.40 (t, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.03-1.91 (m, 4H);

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.3, 153.4 (t, J=25.9 Hz), 150.0, 146.0, 123.0, 117.9 (t, J=2.9 Hz), 113.5 (t, J=241.0 Hz), 49.2, 46.4, 26.3, 24.3;

¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −116.20 (d, J=55.6 Hz, 2F);

GC-MS (EI) for C₁₁H₁₂F₂N₂O Calcd: 226.1; Found: 226.1.

(2-(Difluoromethyl)pyridin-4-yl)(morpholino)methanone

(9b, 11.1 mg, 46%) was prepared and isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography as the colorless oil. This compound is new.

R_(f)=0.13 (Hex:EtOAc=1:1);

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.77 (d, J=4.9 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (s, 1H), 7.43 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 6.68 (t, J=55.3 Hz, 1H), 3.82 (bs, 4H), 3.66 (bs, 2H), 3.40 (bs, 2H);

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 166.9, 153.7 (t, J=26.0 Hz), 150.2, 144.5, 123.0, 117.9 (t, J=3.0 Hz), 113.4 (t, J=241.2 Hz), 66.7, 47.9, 42.5;

¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −116.28 (d, J=55.5 Hz, 2F);

GC-MS (EI) for C₁₁H₁₂F₂N₂O₂ Calcd: 242.2; Found: 242.1. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for forming a compound of formula:

wherein

defines a mono or polycyclic aryl ring or a mono or polycyclic heteroaryl ring; each Ra is independently selected from H or an optional substituent; R₂ is CF₃, CF₂H, a linear alkyl of 2 or more carbon atoms, a branched alkyl of 3 or more carbon atoms or a cycloalkyl of 3 or more carbon atoms; and m is an integer of 1 to 5; comprising: i) mixing together a compound of formula:

wherein R₁ is H, or an optional substituent; R₂ is as defined above; R₃ is H, or a C1-C6 linear alkyl, C3-C6 branched alkyl or C3-C6 cycloalkyl; or R₁ and R₃, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a 5-6 membered ring; each R is independently selected from H or an optional substituent; n is an integer of 1 to 4; with compound of formula:

wherein

is as defined above, and Ra and m are as defined above; ii) photo irradiating the mixture of step i) to provide said compound of formula (II).
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said aryl ring is a 6 membered monocyclic or 9-10 membered bicyclic benzenoid-type ring.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said heteroaryl is monocyclic 5-6 membered or a 9-10 membered fused-bicyclic or 12-14 membered fused tricyclic ring.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein R₁ and R₃, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a 5 membered ring or wherein R₁ is H and R3 is H, or a C1-C6 linear or C3-C6 branched alkyl.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein R₂ is CF₂H.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the linear alkyl of group R₂ is an alkyl of 2 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein the branched alkyl of group R₂ is a branched alkyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms and wherein the cycloalkyl of group R₂ is a cycloalkyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein R or Ra is each independently and each time selected from halogen, C1-6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C1-6 alkoxy, substituted C1-6 alkoxy, aryl, oxo (C═O), cyano (CN), —NR40R41, —C(O)NR40R41, —NR40COR41, carboxy, hydroxyl, nitro, —SR40, —S(O)₀₋₂R40, —C(O)R40, —C(O)OR40 or —SO₂NR40R41; wherein R40 and R41 are each independently H, or C1-6alkyl.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein R is H or C1-6alkyl.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein Ra is H, C1-6alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, aryl, hydroxyl, or —C(O)OR40 wherein R40 and R41 are each independently H, or C1-6alkyl.
 10. A method for forming a compound of formula:

comprising: 1) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula R₂—S⁻X+  (V) wherein R₁; R₃; R, and n are as defined in claim 1; and R₂ is a linear alkyl of 2 or more carbon atoms, a branched alkyl of 3 or more carbon atoms or a cycloalkyl of 3 or more carbon atoms; L is a leaving group X⁺ is a counterion; to provide a compound of formula

wherein R₁; R₂; R₃; R, and n are as defined above; and 2) reacting said compound of formula (VI) with an oxidant to provide said compound of formula (I).
 11. A compound of formula:

wherein R₂ is CF₃, and R₁ and R₃, together with the atoms to which they are attached, form a 5-6 membered ring.
 12. The compound of claim 11, which is 